The Machame Route is the most popular trail to Uhuru peak, as it is considered the most scenic, passing through varied, distinct ecosystems on each day of the climb. It offers stunning views of the Shira Plateau, Mawenzi Peak, Mt. Meru, and the expansive Tanzanian countryside below. Machame is known as the “Whiskey Route,” because with longer days, more elevation changes, and steeper ascents, it is more challenging than the “Coca Cola,” or Marangu Route. Yet hikers also acclimatize more by spending three consecutive nights at higher elevation, and therefore experience a higher success rate.

The Rongai Route offers several features that make it popular. With fewer steep elevation gains, it is the second easiest ascent, after Marangu, thus providing the benefit of gradual acclimitization. It is more remote, passing through true wilderness with fewer climbers, giving trekkers the opportunity for peaceful solitude for hours or even days at a time. The trail begins near the border of Kenya and Tanzania, where many animals, including elephants, buffalo, eland, and klipspringer, migrate across the border from Amboseli National Park to Kilimanjaro Park for greener pastures. From the trail, which passes on an open plain between Kibo and Mawenzi Peaks, trekkers can see Kenyan villages while the summit remains in view at all times. Rongai is the only route to approach the summit from the north, the drier side of the mountain, making it a good choice, weather-wise, but especially during the rainy season in April and May. The trail from the summit leads down the southern side of the mountain, offering hikers a completely different, spectacular perspective, including views of the Shira Plateau, Mawenzi Peak, Mt. Meru and the beautiful Tanzanian countryside.